James 1:27 tells us this: “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress...” For the past 8 years, Lake Avenue Church has been serving foster children through Royal Family KIDS Camp (RFKC). The Royal Family KIDS mission is to create life-changing moments for children of abuse.
Child abuse is an urgent issue that the volunteers at RFKC are laboring to address with grace and compassion. Royal Family KIDS has thousands of volunteers from churches all over the world, which have served over 6,000 children at 160 camps in 35 states and 11 international countries.
As a church, Lake Avenue has hosted a Royal Family KIDS Camp for the past 8 years by mobilizing volunteers and providing camp scholarships for the foster children. Every year, children’s lives are changed at this camp, and this year is no different. Some of this year’s counselors have shared how they saw the Lord working in the lives of their campers.
Ten-year-old Hank* was a returning camper at Royal Family KIDS Camp this summer. He has been attending for the last three years. His counselor, Johnny, has seen him transform over the years.
“Hank loves camp so much, and I was astonished by how much he has grown since his first camp two years ago. He has learned so much about the love of Christ, and when asked why he likes RFKC, he simply said ‘because of God,’” explained Jonny.
Michael, another counselor, shared with us about his camper Nate’s* experience.
“Nate was a first-time camper, so he was understandably shy as he hopped off the bus on Monday. Soon, however, he settled right in and by Friday his week in the mountains had been one of many firsts, including first time playing football and first time swimming in a pool. With his cheerful attitude and easy smile, he quickly made friends with campers and staff. Pray that the Lord would guide Nate’s life, and pray that Nate remembers how greatly Jesus loves him, no matter what.”
Like all of us, the children who attend this camp are in great need of Christ’s love. Thank God for all of the volunteers who have dedicated their time and energy and to all the supporters who have given to the betterment of these children’s lives. It is only by His grace that we are able to know Him and lead others into relationship with Him.
In addition to camp, our church now also hosts a Royal Family KIDS Club. This fall marks the second year of the club, where campers are matched with mentors. Thank you for remembering these precious ones in prayer. For more information, to volunteer or mentor, please contact Tamara Wolf at or 626.817.4800 ext. 4020.
*Camper names changed to protect childrens’ identities.